The Houston Texans may have won the battle against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, but they suffered a significant loss in the process. Star wide receiver Stefon Diggs went down with a non-contact knee injury, and on Tuesday, the Texans announced the worst-case scenario: Diggs has torn his ACL and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
The injury is a crushing blow to Houston’s offense, which has leaned heavily on Diggs, especially since fellow receiver Nico Collins has been out with a hamstring injury since Week 4. Diggs, who was traded from the Buffalo Bills in April, had become one of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud’s top targets, with 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns across eight games. His chemistry with Stroud was apparent and impactful, as he was on pace for a 1,000-yard season, bringing veteran leadership and experience to a young Texans offense.
For Diggs, the timing of the injury couldn’t be worse. The 30-year-old Pro Bowler had reworked his contract upon joining Houston, set to become a free agent following the 2024 season. Now, with an ACL tear, his path to recovery could extend into the 2025 season, impacting his value on the open market and marking a tough break for a player who’s proven himself as one of the league’s most reliable playmakers.
With Diggs sidelined, the Texans will need to adapt quickly. Nico Collins’ return will be critical, as will the development of second-year receiver Tank Dell, who has shown flashes of brilliance. In Diggs’ absence, the Texans may also look to reserves like Xavier Hutchinson, Robert Woods, and John Metchie III to fill the void. The Texans could also explore last-minute trade options, with the Carolina Panthers’ veteran Diontae Johnson rumored to be available.
Houston’s playoff aspirations just became significantly harder, but with the resilience they’ve shown so far, the Texans will have to find a way to adapt as they navigate life without their star wideout.
